First, it may sound like a joke, but i'm totally serious. Watch Supernanny, that woman has some mad child raising skills and you can learn a lot by seeing what she teaches these familys.
Second, while i do believe the ideal situation for raising a child is a mother and father, sometimes it doesn't work out that way. The dad refuses to be involved, or was abusive, and it would be worse to have him around. Though its important for that male aspect, don't rush off to find a man. You have a responability to this child to protect it, first and foremost. You need to go slow with any man in a relationship and not rush into things. You need time for his character to come out, and that won't happen in 6 months. You're better off with no man, than rushing into a bad relationship where you argue constantly, or he's abusive, or even worse, a pedophile. So don't let people make you feel an urgent need to throw a man into your childs life. Be wise, be cautious, be patient.
Also, i'd say, while all parents naturally have ideas for how they hope their kids turn out, keep in mind kids are people too, with their own personalities. Its a bit of a balancing act, trying to mold them into all the good ideals you have, while still allowing them to be themselves.
A few things i know are vitally important, discipline wise. Never threaten a punishment unless you are committed to following it through 100%. Ending a punishment early, or making idle threats only teach them you are not serious and don't need to be listened to.
Never yell. All punishment, whether its just a talk, or something bigger should be done in a clam voice. Soon as you raise your voice, you lose. Your child stops listening to your words, and only hears your anger. The anger does not deter them, but it actually teaches them that you are only to be listened to when you yell. It also gives them a sense you are not in control, which can create fear in them, since you are supposed to be the one reliable thing they can count on.
Don't repeat requests. Teach your children to listen immediately. The more you repeat yourself and don't provide discipline for not listening, the more they learn they can get away with not listening. You want them listening after one or two times, not twenty (which can literally happen).
Never hit a child in anger.
(Please no one argue this one and derail the thread, i'm not recommending it, just providing tips on doing it properly). If you choose to spank you child, it should always be a last resort, and saved for bigger problems, not used as a day to day punishment. The ideal way is to send the child to their room, wait a few minutes so you can calm down from the frustration of the situation. Then, once you are calm, go in and proceed to give the spanking. Spanking should not be used as an outlet to vent by parents.
That should be a good start. Though i'm not a mother, i have seen these things first hand, and the damage of not following these guidelines.
